Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term condition that causes re-occurring pain or discomfort in the abdomen and an altered bowel habit. IBS can develop at any age, but most people start experiencing symptoms between the ages of 15 and 40. Women are more likely to get IBS and tend to have the most severe symptoms. It is one of the most common problems of the digestive system and affects about 1 in 5 people in the Western world.
Irritable bowel syndrome treatments can vary hugely from over the counter medicines to prescription medicines to herbal and pro-biotic treatments and relaxation techniques. For most people a healthy lifestyle is the best way to improve symptoms.
- If your main symptom is diarrhoea try to avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, spicy foods and the artificial sweetener sorbitol.
- If you have constipation try gradually introducing more fibre-rich foods, such as bran, fruit and vegetables into your diet.
- If bloating or wind is a problem, cutting out gas-producing foods such beans and green vegetables (e.g. cabbage and broccoli) may help.
- For some people certain foods regularly bring on symptoms, but this isn’t always easy to monitor as missing out one food after another from your diet to see if it’s causing you symptoms can result in you depriving yourself of essential nutrients. Consulting a dietician can be helpful.
- If stress triggers symptoms try learning stress management or relaxation techniques. Some people find keeping a diary to compare symptoms with life events helpful. If certain events are identified as triggers it may be easier to deal with the stress of them.
- Take regular exercise.
- If you need to use painkillers paracetamol is less likely than ibuprofen or aspirin to trigger symptoms.
Even if you do need medical help for irritable bowel treatment adapting your lifestyle can be a huge benefit.
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